Forrest Gander
A co-worker of mine sent me a notice of a request for literary biographical essays about 21st Century American poets. They are requesting a chapter on one of my favorite poets, so I am going to propose that I'll write that one. Here he is:
"Final Testament" from LIBRETTOS FOR EROS by Forrest Gander
Lick the dust from your feet and come to me.
My hand is not shortened. See
This stinking fish? Your fish.
Close up your eyes child much loved
And familiar of cruelty.
I, who will not arbitrate, have purposed it.
Didn't you put on my voice?
Then slake yourself on this trembling,
My breath in your nostrils.
And who are you to be afraid? I said,
Lie down so I can walk over you
And you have laid your body like the ground.
Behold, it is I. Dark but lovely.
Like cedars blown flush on the cliff.
Look at me and be broken in pieces.
While the land goes on full of horses.
"Final Testament" from LIBRETTOS FOR EROS by Forrest Gander
Lick the dust from your feet and come to me.
My hand is not shortened. See
This stinking fish? Your fish.
Close up your eyes child much loved
And familiar of cruelty.
I, who will not arbitrate, have purposed it.
Didn't you put on my voice?
Then slake yourself on this trembling,
My breath in your nostrils.
And who are you to be afraid? I said,
Lie down so I can walk over you
And you have laid your body like the ground.
Behold, it is I. Dark but lovely.
Like cedars blown flush on the cliff.
Look at me and be broken in pieces.
While the land goes on full of horses.